Israel-Hamas Ceasefire: Trump Calls Truce ‘End of a Painful Nightmare’, Netanyahu Thanks ‘Greatest Friend’
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire: Marking a historic turn in the Middle East conflict, US President Donald Trump on Monday declared that the Israel-Hamas ceasefire had brought an end to a “painful nightmare” after two years of devastating war in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Trump as “the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House,” expressing hope for continued cooperation between the two nations.
Netanyahu and his wife Sara, along with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog, welcomed President Trump upon his arrival at Ben-Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv. The visit marks Trump’s first return to the region since brokering the ceasefire deal that effectively ended months of bloodshed and humanitarian crisis.
Hostages Released Amid Cheers Across Israel
In a major development following the ceasefire, Hamas released all 20 surviving Israeli hostages to representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza.
The emotional moment was broadcast live across Israel, where families of the hostages broke into cheers and tears of relief as television networks confirmed their safe handover. Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered at public screenings nationwide, with the largest event held in Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square.
Trump Lands in Egypt for Gaza Summit
After his visit to Israel, President Trump landed in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, to attend a summit on Gaza’s future. The high-level meeting includes leaders from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, focusing on rebuilding efforts, humanitarian aid, and long-term regional peace.
Trump emphasized that the ceasefire deal represents “not just a pause in fighting, but a promise of peace” and pledged continued US involvement in Gaza’s reconstruction.
Trump Urges Pardon for Netanyahu
In a striking moment during his address to the Israeli Parliament (Knesset), President Trump urged Israeli leaders to pardon Prime Minister Netanyahu, who faces three ongoing corruption trials.
Referring to allegations that Netanyahu and his wife Sara accepted more than $260,000 worth of cigars, champagne, and luxury gifts from wealthy businessmen, Trump quipped: “Cigars and champagne — who the hell cares about that?”
He praised Netanyahu as “one of Israel’s greatest wartime leaders” and suggested to President Herzog: “Hey, I have an idea, Mr. President — why don’t you give him a pardon?”
The comment drew laughter and applause from lawmakers, though it also sparked debate among political observers.
A New Chapter for the Middle East
The ceasefire, facilitated through backchannel negotiations involving Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, marks one of the most significant diplomatic breakthroughs in recent years.
As the guns fall silent in Gaza and hostages return home, both nations now face the challenge of ensuring that this fragile truce leads to a lasting peace rather than another cycle of violence.
